Jesus, Friend of Sinners

I have been thinking a lot about the spiritual battle going on the county next to mine here lately. For those who aren't familiar with what is going on, I will elaborate. A group of atheists from up north have decided to try and aide a fellow atheist that lives in Henderson County by making a fuss over a Nativity Scene on the courthouse lawn in Athens,TX. They want it removed and/or they want to post their own banner beside it that reads:
"At this season of the Winter Solstice, LET REASON PREVAIL. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."


Silly, I know. If someone truly did not believe in Jesus- why in the world would someone fight so hard against him? Why not just roll your eyes and walk on by? Because there is a Jesus! He loves every single of us so much that while the world was still sinning- He died on a cross for us! "Us" including the non-believers! 


I have seen a lot of hatred being slurred about on social networking sites about this matter- from Christians as well as atheists! Christian people wanting these non-believing people to "burn in hell" and to leave them and their Nativity Scene alone. Instead of showing these people Jesus, all they are showing is how easy it is for Satan to come in and ruffle their feathers!


I have been praying for the upcoming rally that they are holding this weekend in defense of the Nativity Scene. I pray that my brothers and sisters in Christ step up and step out and show the world who's face they seek. I pray that every non-believing heart be witnessed to and made a believing heart and that nobody be turned away or turned off by the foul behavior of God's people. Be lights on a hilltop.


There is an awesome song by Casting Crowns from their new album, 'Come to the Well' called "Jesus, Friend of Sinners". It has such an amazing and personal message for everybody! Here are the lyrics:

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

Yeah...

Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand
Make the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of thieves
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
No one knows what we're for only against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah...
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet